YOURSAY | ‘And could it be he put the turtle eggs in his mouth, but did not swallow?’

Minister mulls legal action as more 'turtle egg' pictures surface

Saya Pun Nak Cari Makan: Rural and Regional Development Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, you are a minister and a public figure.

As such, whatever you do could be captured on camera or video. This is part and parcel of being a minister.

What action can you take against those circulating your photos? These are real pictures, not doctored.

ACR: You are in public office, so expect public scrutiny. Next, not knowing the law is not an excuse even for ordinary citizens, what more a public figure.

Finally, getting lawyers is not the solution, especially if the truth is not on your side.

Yawkwai: It doesn't matter whether he ate the turtle eggs or not. As a minister, he should have stopped them from serving the eggs because he knew that consuming turtle eggs is prohibited in Sabah.

Well, if he says that he did not eat the eggs and was therefore innocent, then why are his buddies sitting with him on the same table and/or all those around him who consumed the eggs not charged?

Anonymous 2326501438321389: The Umno division chief must have got cement in his head if does not know what turtle eggs look like.

As for the minister, "eating" is the issue, not "selecting the menu". As Confucius says: "You cannot prevent a bird from flying over your head but you can prevent it from building a nest on your head.”

Mojo Jojo: I have never consumed turtle eggs in my life, but shouldn’t the taste and look of turtle eggs be different than any other egg?

So saying you don't know what it is after tasting it sounds pretty phony to me.

Vent: So the only question now is what is the verdict since the evidence is there for all to see? "RM50,000 or jailed for five years or both"?

Ferdtan: The photograph of Ismail Sabri with a half-eaten turtle egg on his plate shows the minister did not tell the truth when he said he did not consume the eggs as they have high cholesterol content.

We call upon the law enforcers to investigate and charge him (if proven) for consuming turtle eggs.

If not, it is confirmed (as though we are not aware) that there are two laws - one for Umno leaders and another for the common people.

100% Truly Malaysian: These people are having no sense of guilt nor any remorseful feeling to have dined on turtle eggs.

It is pointless to make them realise their mistakes even if you have a photo of him stuffing the eggs into his mouth.

He will then argue that he thought he was served with chicken eggs by the organisers and blame Malaysiakini for spinning.

J Chong: Next, he will say he is going to sue the organiser of the dinner. Indeed, he is behaving like his boss.

Ah-hah!!!: Could it be he put the turtle eggs in his mouth, chewed them, but did not swallow? Or did Ismail Sabri tell a blatant "high cholesterol" lie?

Either way, it is crystal clear that he is trying to shut down those with the truth by threatening them with lawsuits.

Gordon Gecko: As comedian Russell Peters would say, "Ismail Sabri, be a man." Just own up you ate the turtle eggs, admit your oversight, say sorry and pay the fine.

KayL: This is a fine exhibit showing the insincerity in preaching values that is typical of despotic governments.

They hold ‘syok sendiri’ events preaching about wildlife conservation in the morning. But at night, they do not have the heart and soul to reject eating turtle eggs or to condemn those who do, as they are missing conservation values in their heart.

It is more than a case of breaking the law. Even worse, there have been not a single apology or regret from the minister, the organiser, or the other participants. Instead you see denials, blame games, threats and more idiotic statements.

This is why certain people can flaunt the law without expecting any punishment, while the common people would not be able to get away with breaking the law.

Hopeful123: It looks like turtle eggs, tastes like turtle eggs but they are not turtle eggs.

MatiLoh: No, no, no, no. I don't take turtle eggs because of my high cholesterol. The ninja turtle eggs just jumped into my plates, mind you they are round and roll around.

What am I supposed to do, throw them away?

Anon1: "They served both turtle and chicken eggs. I ate the chicken eggs only," or "These eggs are from a turtle which has the special ability to lay chicken eggs," or "These eggs were laid by my private special chicken which has the ability to lay turtle eggs."

Choose one or all.

The above is a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers. Only paying subscribers can post comments. Over the past one year, Malaysiakinians have posted over 100,000 comments. Join the Malaysiakini community and help set the news agenda. Subscribe now .

These comments are compiled to reflect the views of Malaysiakini subscribers on matters of public interest. Malaysiakini does not intend to represent these views as fact.